Reply To: Christology 2024/25 Discussion Board 1

[engremejnr]

The Gospel of John stands out among several Gospels because of how clearly it presents the divine identity of Jesus Christ. While the other Gospels emphasize His teachings, miracles, and parables, John consistently pulls the reader’s attention to a deeper question: Who is Jesus really? As I read through John, I see that the writer wants us to understand that Jesus is not only sent by God, but that He shares in God’s very nature. Several passages make this truth unmistakable.

One of the strongest foundations for this belief is John 1:1–3. John begins his Gospel not with Jesus’ birth, but with eternity: “In the beginning was the Word.” This immediately reminds me of Genesis 1:1, connecting Jesus to the moment before creation itself. John calls Him “the Word,” which suggests that Jesus is God’s ultimate self-expression — the way God makes Himself known. When John says, “the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” I understand this as both distinction and unity. Jesus is distinct from the Father, yet fully divine. Verse 3 goes even further by saying everything was made through Him. That means Jesus is not part of creation; He is the Creator. This opening makes it impossible to see Jesus as merely human.

Another powerful moment appears in John 8:58, where Jesus says, “Before Abraham was born, I am.” When I read this, I see more than a claim of age. Jesus does not say “I was,” but “I am,” which echoes God’s name revealed in Exodus 3:14. It is a statement of eternal existence. The reaction of the people — picking up stones to kill Him — shows they understood exactly what He meant. They saw it as blasphemy because He was making Himself equal with God. This verse helps me see that Jesus was fully aware of His divine identity and was not afraid to reveal it.

In John 10:30–33, Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” From a reader’s perspective, this statement feels simple, but the response of the crowd shows how serious it was. They accuse Him of claiming to be God. What stands out to me is that Jesus does not correct them by saying they misunderstood. Instead, He continues speaking about His unique relationship with the Father and His divine works. This shows that His unity with the Father is not just about agreement in mission, but about sharing the same divine nature.

Finally, John 20:28 brings the Gospel to a powerful climax. After seeing the risen Jesus, Thomas says, “My Lord and my God!” This is deeply personal — not just “the Lord” or “the God,” but my Lord and my God. What touches me is that Jesus accepts this confession. He does not rebuke Thomas for exaggeration or misunderstanding. Instead, He affirms faith in Him. This moment shows that recognizing Jesus as God is the natural and correct response to encountering the risen Christ.

In conclusion, reading John’s Gospel feels like a journey from curiosity to conviction. Through Jesus’ words, works, and the responses of those around Him, John makes it clear that Jesus is eternal, divine, and worthy of worship. He is not only the Son sent by God, but God the Son who came to reveal the Father and bring eternal life to those who believe.